By: Ryan Duey

Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills announced a pause in its Home Repair program in Manhattan, Kansas, due to the city’s halt on its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing rehab program.

This funding cut impacts low-income “workforce” households relying on assistance for critical home repairs. Habitat’s executive director, Josh Brewer, emphasized the significance of these federal funds for accessibility improvements, HVAC repairs, and roof replacements, expressing determination to find alternative solutions. Brewer noted the city’s lack of public communication before dismissing key program staff and raised concerns about the program’s future, which provided up to $25,000 in repair funds to homeowners who committed to staying in their homes for ten years.

The program, which assisted 227 homeowners between 1999 and 2016, will continue for those earning less than 50% of the area median income until the funds are depleted.